Truck drivers, like all other motorists, have a duty to other motorists on the road to ensure that they operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. This includes only driving when it is safe to do so as well as taking precautions to ensure that their vehicles are safe. A driver’s failure to take the necessary precautions increases the chance that a serious or fatal accident will occur and also exposes that driver to civil liability for any injuries that occur as a result of his negligence.
Liability in a trucking accident may also extend to the company that employed the negligent truck driver. In some cases, a trucking company overlooks safety violations, fails to conduct adequate background checks, or otherwise employs unqualified truck drivers or dangerous vehicles. In these situations, the trucking company may be held liable for the accident victim’s injuries in addition to the truck’s driver.
Georgia Trucking Company Ordered to Remove Trucks from Operation Based on an “Imminent Hazard to Public Safety”
Earlier this month, a Georgia-based trucking company was ordered to remove its fleet from the road after a series of serious safety violations. According to an industry news source, the most recent incident involved a truck driver who was speeding around a curve and lost control of his vehicle. The truck then crashed into a woman’s home, causing an explosion and subsequent fire. Sadly, the woman in the home was killed as a result, and four others present were seriously injured. In all, four homes sustained property damage.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducted an investigation into the company’s fleet and determined that the trucking company posed an “imminent hazard to public safety,” due to the number and nature of the recent violations, which include:
- Using drivers without commercial drivers’ licenses;
- Failing to perform random drug and alcohol tests on truck drivers; and
- Failing to follow protocol when hauling hazardous materials.
In fact, the past 10 times that the company’s trucks were pulled over for a random inspection, the truck was deemed unsafe and was ordered to stay off the road. The most recent order extends the out-of-service order to the company’s entire fleet of commercial trucks.
Have You Been a Victim of a Negligent Truck Driver?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Depending on the nature of the truck accident, the company that employed the truck driver may also be financially responsible for your injuries, but this may not be immediately apparent. The skilled personal injury attorneys at the Maryland law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers are experienced in conducting the necessary investigation to determine all liable parties and pursuing compensation from each for their clients. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation with a dedicated and experienced Maryland truck accident attorney.
More Blog Posts:
The Dangers of Large Trucks on City Roads, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published October 5, 2016.
Court Interprets “Good Samaritan Law” Broadly in Truck Accident Case, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 21, 2016.